How To Clean Your Mountain Bike Shock

Mountain biking has evolved massively in recent years, with mountain bikes becoming more capable, more complicated and more expensive too. The components of mountain bikes have also evolved, and today - it’s more important than ever to do what you can to maintain & look after your bike - keeping it performing well, and avoiding expensive repair bills.

One of the most expensive and integral parts of any full suspension mountain bike is the rear shock - designed to provide both comfort and performance on the rough stuff, mountain bike shocks need to be cleaned, maintained and served to keep them running right. In this post, we look at some of the things you can do, to ensure your shock remains clean, free of debris and performing as it should.

Refer To Your Bike's Manual

First and foremost, it is essential to consult your bike's manual before cleaning the shock. You need to make sure that your bike is designed for cleaning the shock, and the best methods to use while doing so, make sure you know the exact type of suspension, so you don't end up damaging it in the long run. If you are not confident in cleaning the shock yourself, then leave it to a professional workshop or bike mechanic.

Set Aside Adequate Time

Cleaning a mountain bike shock can be a somewhat time-consuming process, and it is imperative to create a conducive environment that provides you with enough time to tend to your bike. Besides, you could set aside time to let the shock dry completely after cleaning.

Identify Vulnerable Parts

The shock absorber is one of the mountain bike components that suffer a lot of wear and tear. Identifying the parts of the shock that are most vulnerable to dust and dirt accumulation is essential. The essential areas to focus on include the stanchions, seals, and the bottom of the shock.

Cleaning Process

To start cleaning your mountain bike, you need to ascertain that the suspension has enough pressure, and if not, use a shock pump to inflate it. Remove the air sleeve and spring and wipe the externals of the shock with a clean cloth. Use an old toothbrush or a small brush to remove dirt and dust that might have lodged into the seals and stanchions and make sure to remove the mud, which can cause scratches and corrosion. Next, you may clean the shock internals by soaking a clean rag in alcohol and passing it through the shock's shaft, ensuring that you clean both the upper and lower parts.

Reassembling Your Mountain Bike Shock

After completing the cleaning process, it is time to reassemble your bike’s shock by closely following the instructions from the manual. Ensure you lubricate your bike’s shock with a reasonable coating of oil to help avoid dust and dirt build-up, which guarantees optimal performance always.